By P.C. Staff
This year’s Heart Mountain annual pilgrimage will honor the late Sen. Daniel K. Inouye and all Japanese American veterans who were unjustly interned at Heart Mountain during World War II.
The theme of the 2014 pilgrimage, scheduled from Aug. 22-23 at the Heart Mountain World War II Japanese American Confinement Site in Wyoming, is “Honoring Selfless Service.”
The Honor Roll, created by internees in 1944 to recognize the men and women who served in the military during WWII, will be dedicated to the memory of Inouye, the nation’s longest-serving senator and a decorated veteran who lost his arm in combat.
“As our most important event, the annual pilgrimage serves our mission by educating the public about the history of Japanese American confinement and engaging visitors in a discussion about racial prejudice and civil rights, as well as hopefully providing an opportunity for healing for former internees and their families,” said Brian Liesinger, Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation’s executive director.
Officials with the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation are seeking former Heart Mountain veterans to invite to the pilgrimage.Pilgrimage travel stipends may be available to veterans.
Scheduled guest speakers include Inouye’s widow and U.S.-Japan Council President Irene Hirano, former Sen. Al Simpson and former Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta. The event includes a banquet dinner on Friday, Aug. 22, at the Holiday Inn in Cody, Wyo. There will also be a screening of the film “A Flicker in Eternity,” which tells the story of Stanley Hayami, who was interned at Heart Mountain as a teen and died serving in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
Registration begins April 15 and includes Friday’s dinner banquet and lunch on Saturday at Heart Mountain, which is located between Cody and Powell, Wyo., off of Hwy. 14a.
For more information or to register for the pilgrimage, visit www.heartmountain.org/pilgrimage.html, email info@heartmountain.org or call (307) 754-8000.
Originally published on April 4, 2014
